French rugby boss held for questioning over tax issues

Tue, Jan 24, 2023
Other News (AP)

PARIS (AP) - French Rugby Federation president Bernard Laporte was detained for questioning Tuesday - the latest judicial twist in his battles over allegations of financial wrongdoing.

France's national prosecution office that focuses on financial crimes said police were questioning Laporte for suspected tax-related wrongdoing.

That probe has been running since August 2020 is still in its preliminary stage, meaning Laporte isn't facing a formal tax-related charge at this point.

Still, his legal difficulties are mounting.

Laporte agreed to be suspended as French Rugby Federation president last month while he separately fights a suspended two-year sentence on corruption charges. A Paris court found him guilty of passive corruption, influence peddling, illegal interest taking and misuse of corporate assets.

Laporte also self-suspended as World Rugby vice-chairman.

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